Three years. Three years stretch between the time Victoria and Albert said “how do you do” and “I do.” Here lies an account of their courtship period. Told through letters, diaries, and accounts from bystanders.

“Lie back and think of England” was the prominent mindset of many Victorian brides.

Either they heard whispered horrors from elders or knew next to nothing — in some cases, both. Wives who delighted in the unspeakable act undoubtedly would have felt shamed admitting such. For it was not meant to be enjoyed by women.